March 26, 2011
Gainesville, Fla. – Hudson Randall hurled a five-hit complete game and a solo home run by Kamm Washington in the bottom of the seventh inning lifted top ranked Florida to a 2-1 victory over fourth ranked South Carolina in game two of a three-game SEC baseball series. The Gators are now 21-3 and 4-1 in the SEC while the loss drops Carolina to 17-5 and 3-2 in conference play. The rubber game of the series is set for 1 p.m. and will be televised live on Sun Sports and can be heard on the Gamecock Radio Network and at GamecocksOnline.com.
Randall was touched up early by the Gamecocks and allowed five hits in the first three innings before settling in and retiring 19 consecutive batters on his way to the victory. He struck out four and walked none while yielding an unearned run. He is now 4-0 on the year. Gamecock reliever Matt Price suffered the loss and is now 1-2 on the year. Price allowed one run on one hit while striking out three batters in two innings of work.
South Carolina broke ahead 1-0 in the top of the second inning. Jake Williams singled to right-center with one out and advanced to third base on the hit and run on a single by Brady Thomas into left field. Williams then scored as Robert Beary ripped a hard grounder to third baseman Jeff Moyer, who threw low to first base allowing Williams to score the first run of the game. Florida tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning with an unearned run and despite not getting a hit in the frame. Kamm Washington was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame, Josh Adams reached on a throwing error by Adrian Morales and Jeff Moyer was also hit by a pitch to load the bases. Nolan Fontana lifted a ball into the air to left field for a sacrifice fly scoring Washington and tying the game at one apiece. Gamecock starting pitcher Forrest Koumas however, limited the damage as he got Daniel Pigott to pop up to right field and Preston Tucker to fly out to left field keeping the game in check.
It was a strong effort by Koumas as he kept the Gators at bay through six innings of work. In his first collegiate starter, Koumas allowed one run, unearned, on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks. The six inning total was the longest of his career.
It would be Washington’s hit that made the difference as he knocked the first pitch he saw from Price to lead off the seventh inning for a solo home run to left field. The home run was Washington’s first of the season.
South Carolina out-hit the Gators 5-3 despite the loss. Bradley Jr. went 2-for-4 to lead the Gamecocks at the plate.
South Carolina will start junior LHP Bryan Harper (0-0, 3.52 ERA) vs. Florida freshman RHP Karsten Whitson (3-0, 2.52 ERA) in the series finale.
